ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday sought written responses in a contempt of court petition filed over the failure to allow PTI founder Imran Khan’s counsel, Salman Akram Raja, to meet his client despite court orders.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, while hearing the petition, directed the Islamabad advocate general’s office and the public prosecutor to submit written replies. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with the response submitted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding the closure of the PTI founder’s X account.

The judge remarked that the PTA had failed to properly address the contents of the writ petition, observing, “You should see what the writ petition is and what your response is.”

He noted that responses had already been received from jail authorities, the PTA and other respondents. However, he termed the PTA’s reply “unsatisfactory”.

Justice Tahir asks how PTI founder’s X case can proceed in absence of lawyer-client consultation

During the hearing, Mr Raja informed the court that he had been unable to hold a consultation meeting with Mr Khan in connection with the case.

Lawyer access

Justice Tahir observed that without such a meeting, it would be difficult for the proceedings to move forward. He added that final arguments would be heard on Feb 24 if the meeting was allowed.

During the hearing, the public prosecutor took the position that cases involving meetings with prisoners were generally heard by a larger bench.

However, the judge questioned how the case could proceed in the absence of lawyer-client consultation. He added that effective legal representation required access to the client.

Mr Raja told the court that an earlier order dated Nov 4, directing jail authorities to facilitate his meeting with Mr Khan, had not been implemented for more than two months. He said he had not met his client since the filing of the present case and questioned whether he should personally go to Adiala Jail to seek compliance.

Justice Tahir responded that an appropriate order would be issued and clarified that the case would proceed once the meeting was allowed. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing until Feb 24.

Later, speaking to the media, Mr Raja it was inconceivable that the case pertained to the closure of Mr Khan’s X account, adding that serious allegations such as “against the state” could be made against an individual without allowing him the opportunity to present a defence.

Mr Raja also criticised delays in the hearing of appeals and suspension matters related to Mr Khan, including the £190 million corruption case, stating that matters which should be decided within weeks had remained pending for over a year.

Referring to a recent incident on Adiala Road, Mr Raja alleged that PTI workers, including women, were subjected to violence during a “peaceful protest”.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026